The end of the year is BUUUUSSY. Stressing out about trying to come up with social media posts or ideas for your blog or newsletter is the last thing you need to be doing.
Use these writing prompts taken from our Monthly Nonprofit Writing Prompts email newsletter to help you think a little more creatively about your communications for this month.
If you need prompts for next year too, sign up for our the newsletter. I will send prompts for January this Friday so sign up now if you want some help next month.
On the Calendar
12/4: Santa’s List Day. This is the day Santa makes his “Naughty or Nice” list. Highlight those that advocate for your cause and those that are against it.
12/7: Letter Writing Day. Write an open letter to your supporters, volunteer, clients, etc.
12/15: Bill of Rights Day. Highlight one of the first 10 amendments that relates to your cause and how our country would be different without it.
12/21: Winter Solstice. In the Northern Hemisphere, this day is the shortest day of the year. How are others “in the dark” about your cause?
12/23: Festivus. A completely made-up holiday popularized by Seinfeld. One of its traditions is the “Airing of Grievances,” so take this time to vent about something that is frustrating you — hopefully in a humorous way!
12/23: Roots Day. If Festivus doesn’t appeal to you, use this day to trace the history of your organization’s founding.
12/25: Christmas. Make a wish list for Santa and his elves asking for things your organization needs. Highlight some of the little miracles you bring to your clients.
12/26: Kwanzaa begins. Relate each of the 7 day’s principals to what your organization is doing. (Unity, self-determination, responsibility, family, purpose, creativity and faith).
12/31: New Year’s Eve. Share your resolutions, trends for 2019 or a “Top Ten” list from 2018.
Other dates in December:
- 05: International Volunteer Day
- 05: World Soil Day
- 09: International Anti-Corruption Day
- 10: Human Rights Day
- 18: International Migrants Day
Metaphor of the Month
This month’s metaphor is Faith and Spirituality. Think about angels, revival, prayer, church, temples, mosques, meditation, values, reincarnation, salvation, miracles, sins, devotion, spirits, pagan, religion, belief, and worship.
How can you relate these things to your organization?
Pop Culture, Events, and News
Football (both college and the NFL) will be winding down with teams getting ready for bowl games and the playoffs. And basketball will be heating up.
Movies being released this month include Aquaman and Mary Poppins Returns.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Top Chef, and The Great American Baking Show return to TV, and Hallmark movies will be very popular this month.
You’ll see plenty of “best” and “worst” gift idea lists, as well as holiday sales reports from retailers dominating the news. Can you make a list of your own?
Source of the Month
Highlight local events. There are lots of things happening this time of year. Even if your organization isn’t holding an event, be a helpful friend and share what’s going on in your community. Let people know where they can go to help or where people can go to get help. Share any holiday parades, tree-lighting ceremonies or other events.
